Prayer for the Day

by Revd Canon David White

11th January 2026 - Baptism of Christ

Servant-Christ, help us to follow you deep into the waters of baptism;
to link our lives with all those who grieve about the injustice in human life;
to break free from the chain of past wrongs;
to become ready to face your coming age;
and to be renewed by your Spirit,
and anointed to preach good news
to the poor, the oppressed and the prisoner.
Servant-Christ, help us all to follow you. Amen.

This Sunday the Church recalls the day when Jesus approached his cousin John the Baptist and asked to be baptised. He walked into the Jordan and so signalled the start of his public mission. All was confirmed by the voice from heaven, God the Father, putting the seal of approval on the work that Jesus was undertaking with the words: “This is my Son, the Beloved with whom I am well pleased”.

This prayer is from a book called, “Worship in an Indian Context” which was compiled by the United Theological College, Bangalore in 1986. The prayer is made to Jesus as the “Servant-Christ” and that title emphasises that the baptism of Jesus is the moment when his identity as the Servant of the Lord, who suffers for the sake of justice, is crystallized.

The prayer shows that contained in this baptism is the double truth that Jesus is uniquely God’s Son and Servant who works for justice in the world. Those who follow him are also God’s children and servants who are called to do the same. A tall order, but part of the cost of our discipleship.